Get free Petite Modeling Advice, Petite Modeling Tips, Petite Modeling resource, meant to inspire the launch of any model of any height or type into the modeling industry with a self-promotional angle.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Nails! hand and feet castings this week :) to the salons I always bring my own color for touch ups and safe keepin', bring my own files, nail clippers and buffers and cuticle clippers as well. If you can I suggest doing so, buy good ones and they will last a long time and for shoe modeing and hand modeling I try to be extra careful by having my own tools.

(I may not be tall but I've done a lot of parts modeling and worked with great brands and national magazines by noticing my assets, you should do the same.)

A girl on Twitter recently asked me: "what are the general size requirements for being a petite model?"

My reply may also help your own modeling pursuits.

Hey Hun,

The word petite implies girls 5'5" and under, but if you are under 5'5" and pursuing modeling it's best to actually not focus so much on height and more on using your other assets to get opportunities.

Keep in mind also that most modeling agencies do not have a petite division. Instead you should focus on working as a print model, which is more often about having personality than being a certain height. You can drive yourself nuts dwelling on what you may not be...tall, but focus on what you do have that would work well in an ad campaign or magazine editorial.

Start by asking yourself, a few things What do I have that is a marketable modeling asset?"
"Beyond height, why would a modeling agency want to work with me?"
"What type of modeling jobs can I realistically get?"

Hopefully what will also appear from this thought process are goals.

And these realistic and ambitious modeling goals will help shape the photo you work on creating.

Here is more on having a model marketing mindset:

When you think about why models are needed and the great spectrum of the advertising and marketing worlds, it isn't just about fashion and being a certain height. There are so many more commercial and lifestyle products and every day useful goods that have models and actors of all ages and types involved with their advertising, packaging and marketing campaigns.

Right now humanistic every day looking people with great personal and approach looks, natural smiles and a friendly happy go-lucky type of appeal is attractive in the print modeling world. Sometimes the corky and unconventional work as well.

So think about modeling as not just being apart of the fashion world, and not just about height, but think about how often models are used in campaigns for all types of products.

If you don't know off hand a print ad or magazine editorial or commercial that involves a model that wasn't giraffe tall, then go research! Changing your perspective on what a model is can help your discover yourself, your assets and help you find your own success and path with your modeling pursuits.

Sure being proportioned helps in modeling, but your modeling pursuits don't have to be about being anything than what you naturally are, and it's about using what you do have, it helps by thinking like a marketer, and translating what you have into how it can be used to model for products of all types.

So go on and focus on what makes you a good model, I know there is more to you than your height, and it's a good idea to focus on other assets that you have beyond height when it comes to creating your modeling photos.

What about your other assets? Don't ignore them: great skin, eyes, your friendly smile, your nice hair and upbeat personality, put all of these things to use. They are useful within print modeling. Sharpen your understanding of what print modeling and where models of all types are used. Study ads and commercials, and notice ads and editorials where height isn't the focus of marketing the product in the shot.

Models, people, of all types are in ads, here are some resources to prove my point. Go read about where ad campaigns come from and where the concept of ad campaigns are born...

Modeling agencies are not the ones saying "I need a model," it is the clients who are asking for a "certain type" and it isn't always a fashion model, which is why print modeling agencies are in demand and make money. And marketing and creative professionals usually go to print modeling agencies and talent agencies to find their models and actors, not always fashion agencies. So aim to work with one or two print modeling agencies, and observe the photos that print modeling agency models have. Create some that are similar.

I know that still many print modeling agencies still have a height requirement (5'6"-5'7"), but don't dwell, because your odds will go up to work with one (or a few) if you prepare professional photos that represent what you have beyond height.

A size requirement to be a petite model hasn't come up within my own pursuits, but focusing on print modeling and having my professional marketable modeling photos has mattered and made the difference.

By preparing ahead of time and creating the right photos that will best market my assets and what I do have that can lead to modeling for brands and products and magazines has been key.

Bring your marketing mindset to the table, and focus on the ways beyond height that you are marketable as a print model.

Here are other tips on creating a marketable comp card as a shorter girl and ways to look more proportioned and your best in photos no matter your height.

Also there are popular posts on the top left side of this blog----->
I hope this helps, height isn't everything but it's important to notice your assets and what is marketable about you before creating photos and targeting agencies with a comp card,

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

maybe in relationships and love things can happen when you least expect it and aren't looking, but when it comes to your dreams and goals, don't think that it will just come to you or just happen, you have to be looking for your opportunities, ~isobella jade TM

It's a show about designers on the brick of bankruptcy, closing shop or losing their homes from scrapping by with a lot of passion but not surviving, and Joe Zee shows them how to get their act together by instilling the will to design better and smarter, and sell more!

Aspiring models, I think you will find interesting the part where I circled in yellow. I hope you can read it okay. I have been aware of the way the sample sizes designers create influence what the magazines feature but Joe shares more insight on why the short girl and humanistic models aren't often seen in fashion editorials, or never is seen.

Joe Zee is right, he can't change things over night and it will take a huge mind-changing perspective and makeover to the culture of fashion and fabric for change to happen in a noticable way anytime soon. And it's not a size zero thing, and it's not a size 14 thing, --it's a design for all sizes thing.

click images to view full article:

What struck me also was that Joe mentions the resist from some designers on the show to go towards designing for the relatable every-day women. The designers and brands out there should want to allow women of all sizes the ability to get dressed with ease, it shouldn't be a privilege because you are a certain size. Then mental head-game of not being able to morph into someone they are not just to buy a fricking outfit shouldn't even be facet of their lives. And you'd think with this ever-growing consumerism, that designing for all sizes would be gushed over by brands and designers to make more money to spread their logos around further, branding, branding, branding, get more twitter followers, Facebook likes, but...that's not in the their design program...it's not...yet.

What if designers of all price points got over their fright of all-sizes and the every-women, real-women, --why are they afraid of us.....and catered to our needs better? What if designers high to mid-level to low noticed more often the demand of all shapes? And why don't they? It only makes sense since so many brands report their earnings and so many of them want to gain more consumers each season and year.

I am sure by designing for more shapes they would sell more product and make more money. And I'd like to tell them to not be afraid, I think the consumer can handle seeing in ads and editorials of the "real" way the clothing will look when worn.

Granted I am a petite, and do wear a size zero-or two but that doesn't mean my shopping experiences are any easier, because everything I see or try on is 6 inches too long and I have friends who are all sizes, including above size 12 and Joe Zee includes in the editorial, "...some designers don't cut any size above a 12, despite the fact that the average American woman is a 14."

Well, Why is this? Cost of fabric? Cotton has gone up in price, but is that the real reason? Come on! No excuses! Mmmm...Is it their selfish ego? Why wouldn't a designer design for all sizes? Is their vision for who deserves to wear their clothing narrow shape-minded? If that is the case then no wonder they are broke and bitchy, ---because no one is buying their designs because no one fits into them.

So, now I think to myself, "Are all rich people thin?"
No, I'm sorry to tell you but not all people who have money are thin, long giraffes.

But even if high fashion starts making their cuts for size 14, that doesn't mean every size 14 girl can afford high fashion, I think the retail world as a whole needs to become more verstile, and in the areas of petite girls, curvy girls, all shapes, there is a lot of fabric out there in stores, and a lot of waste actually, because half the stuff doesn't fit on most people anyways.

Opps you designed that, put it on the rack, and no one can fricking fit in it! The fantasy might drive the high-fashion world, but the reality is no one is fitting it.

I think high-end for ALL sizes could find true success, but high-end for a limited selection, for only the right silhouette, won't much longer? I am not buying that limited attitude will be doing well in the coming years.

However, there are some designers designing to making women feel good about their bodies proving it should become more present hopefully in coming years:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natalia-lopatniuk-brzezinski/designer-shoshanna-talks-_b_865287.html
We have become a fashion obsessed culture in the past ten years, and more than ever people want stuff, I am not saying that this is a good thing, I am not saying that all this shopping is not killing the soul, because it is,---- but I am saying that the every-day woman comes in all sizes. There is no normal size anymore, there is no standard to become so you can get dressed. We are who we are, face it already, and designers should give a crap about the real-deal, the reality, if they want to succeed and sell their goods.

So, aspiring designers, step it up! It's your moment, it's time to give a high-five to all sizes and seriously kick ass, because you will make a great deal of money from it! So get at it, I am waiting! MANY of us are!

And, Joe, when you need a petite for a petite pride feature, I am there to help you give the petite's props, please get in touch!

So what, you might not be giraffe tall, but height isn't everything in modeling! As a body part model being proportioned does help, but my height isn't why I am booked usually, it comes down to other assets. Such as my curves, my even skin tone and my nice looking feet. Meet MY Feet in the June issue of Whole Living magazine, shot by the wonderful photographer Henry Leutwyler.

I am not totally naked here hunny, I had on a black thong and sports bra. I was on an elevated set, crouched down on a mat putting my weight on my knees, I positioned my body and my butt to face camera just so slightly. The position reminded me of crouching down in the starting blocks before running the 400 dash at a track meet in high school. The hardest part of this pose was making sure I wasn't putting too much pressure on my toes (to keep them looking pretty) while keeping my ankles slightly unparalleled to show two feet. It's all about angle baby!

For this one I just sat on an elevated bench and my feet just naturally made that relaxed pose as I waited for direction, and THAT became the shot. Sometimes being your natural self works wonders.

To create this shot I sat backwards to camera, on the elevated bench and pointed my toes and kicked my food back behind me just a little bit.

Henry Leutwyler and the Whole Living team were great to work with and Henry is not just an amazing photographer but also a great communicator, and within just a few hours we produce these beautiful shots.

Pick up the June issue of Whole Living on stands now, you will also learn a lot about foot reflexology, and how to improve foot balance and prevent foot injury, and also I love in the editorial that it shares how to be safe at the nail salon, I ALWAYS bring my own cuticle clippers, files and nail tools, also you will find in the editorial tips on keeping your feet smelling good and preventing sweaty and stinky feet.

...and also while you are reading be reminded that height isn't everything in modeling and in life when you notice your assets and market them.

I forgot to tell you that in my May issue of Women's Health magazine I noticed the editors suggested some great accessories for summer. So whether you are at the beach or in your backyard or at the parks in the city, like me, check them out. I need a beach towl actually and I am really into this wood trend right now.

Monday, May 23, 2011

For all self-striving shorter than average models out there keep this in mind: If you can prepare your own photos and you invest the time to get professional shots and focus on creating shots that bring out your best assets, you will be going in the right direction.

Dwelling on your height, or lack of won't get you anywhere. There is more to you than just height, right?
So think about modeling as working with brands, products, and magazines and ask yourself, where you fit into the mix? What can you realistically model? What products out there have nothing to do with height? What type of modeling jobs can a shorter girl realistically get?

Plan your photoshoots for your goals. There is no point in planning a photo-shoot unless it will help your modeling goals, so make sure you have your modeling goals in order and you are shooting in the direction of them.

Focus on getting a headshot, beauty shots, shots of your modeling accessories, and shots that involve your smile and personality. Research what print modeling is because if you are dwelling on fashion modeling you might be holding yourself back from opportunities. Fashion is not everything. Make sure your photos represent where you want to go and where you can realistically go in modeling.

An agency that is interested in working with you will use your comp card headshot until you improve it if they want you to, but remember you don't need to pay the agency to get this stuff done, but you will have to be on top of it. A print modeling agency may want to work with you, or may see something marketable in you but it is still up to you to produce marketable photos and be on top of your photography. Most print modeling agencies will not invest in your photography, so be prepared for finding and having in your circle some professional photographers that understand print modeling and can help you get the shots you need.

modeling handbags for Jacquelyn Lacroix

Modeling is not the business of just looking pretty it is a business also about knowing how to be natural and relate to a product or an editorial or advertising and marketing concept.Be prepared to manage your own photography, knowing your assets and what makes you marketable as a model, and spending time perfecting your comp card and portfolio. Always do your homework on the agencies you submit to before hand, when you are working with an agency research the brands and products you are going to castings for, and know how to model...you should already know how to naturally hold a product and work with one, if you your poses are not natural work on this, is a good and smart idea.

A shorter girl may be able to book print modeling work modeling for the marketing campaigns for lifestyle brands and companies, editorials in magazines involves accessories, beauty, fitness, or within parts modeling. But be aware of the unstable life of a model, it is not always a stable source of income and it can be tough to survive only modeling. Here are some extra things that come from the things I've learned behind of the scenes as a model:

Pursue while knowing that you may be the shortest one in the room but that isn't the thing that defines what you are capable of and why you are a good model. Walk into the casting prepared to bring forth your best assets.

Have good communication skills. Time is money and being perceptive to understand what the photographer or art director or editor is wanting out of the shot is important.

I think having an understanding of proportion, camera angles and understanding the perspective of the camera is a good idea because as a model you have to sometimes find the best pose that flatters your body and the product best as quick as possible, and doing so makes you a good model.

Patience, modeling can involve a lot of waiting around for the photography crew to set up and sometimes while shooting the plan or concept for the shoot will change, so you might find yourself waiting around. Actually the prep for the shoot, from the set to the makeup or styling usually takes longer than the shoot itself. Bring a book, a magazine, something to do because standing around makes people nervous, so bring some reading material to pass the time until they photographer is ready.

The more you care about the shot and about working as a team the better. Be determined to get it right, be positive that you will, and you will be remembered.

Just telling you how it is, aim high and strive on, be prepared and put in the time,

I just wanted to say thanks for being fans of my books and I write them for the underdogs. I am currently working on a book series and I will have more to share this summer on it. If you have enjoyed my books so far, and have a moment, please give my books a comment and your thoughts on Amazon and BN.com.

Have you seen these handy manicure and pedicure kits? I think it is best to bring your own tools to the salon when you get your toes done, don't feel weird about asking the nail technicians to use your own tools. It is a safe idea to keep your feet clean and pretty and safe is good!

Eco lingerie designer Clare Bare, http://www.clarebare.com/, not only had beautifully crafted and sewn original lingerie but her models in her look book are also all shapes and sizes which I thought was cool.

I had a nice chat with Nathan James Johnson and Jayson Romos, the designers of The Craftmen, about their handmade, hand-stitched leather wallets, card holders and headphone cases like this one:

Also, check out http://www.looplit.com/, I like these washers looped earrings that I could wear just about everyday with everything. Founded by sisters Hind and Hamsa Baki in 2009, looplit jewelry is designed and created to meet the artistic flair of today’s fashionistas.

Petite model, author and advocate Isobella Jade shares some of her day to day tips for staying inspired when you are starting from scratch, the underdog or just trying to do what you want to do as your own cheerleader some days. Staying positive involved a lot of energy, it is work to stay positive sometimes and this segment is to inspire your own brain-power and inner-self to keep your beat going on. You can connect with Isobella Jade via Facebook or Twitter or on her website http://www.isobelladreams.com/ where you will also find her books and also get a personalized signed copy of them.

Almost 5'4", which she first wrote at the Apple store, is about her early years as a model, MODEL LIFE: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior is a fashion illustrated graphic novel based on her own adventures in NYC as a model, and Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model, which was inspired by her blog readers and is a follow up to Almost 5'4" and includes modeling tips for short chicks.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

I know that most of you are teens and young adults, but sometimes I do hear from parents of aspiring models and actors and if you are a parent of an aspiring actor you might want to check out this class. ~Isobella

THE CNC YOUTH DIVISION is holding a course called The Acting Parent (1 Day)

THE ACTING PARENT will be a 2.5 seminar (no children allowed) for the
parents of youth's in the business. Taught by CD Robin Carus (see bio below) this will be a MUST seminar regarding "the do's & don'ts" of the business & an incredible educational experience for the parents.

Format of the class:
In the Beginning: What to do when your child wants to try things out
professionally; who to contact
The Players: Managers vs. Agents
The Importance of a Headshot
Auditioning and What to Expect
Acting Classes/Voice Teachers/Summer Programs
Unions/Labor Laws (though that might have to be modified)
Preparing for College

Robin has just formed a NEW Casting Company called J&R Creative Casting (alongside CnC regular industry guest Jennifer Ajemian). Robin Carus is a Casting Director whose theatrical and film work has
been seen throughout the United States and Canada. For eight years, Robin was Head of Casting for Theatreworks/USA. She has cast over 200 national tours, major theatre festivals.

I know the pressures, the stress, the frustration and the importance of carrying on, and through it all I hope you also carry a peacefulness inside. It's not always easy to slip in the day the time to connect to your heart and soul but I hope you do and allow yourself a moment of peace and calmness and also laughter-- the heart, mind and body need these moments to reflect, collect and bring out the best in you ~ij

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

On Oprah today, she asked James Frey: how are you with yourself? I like that, and I do ask myself something similar daily. Also I think it is important to confront how you feel about yourself, your work, what you are striving for, your atmosphere, and what you are waking up for. ~ij

Finals week! Based on a poll on my blog many of you are 13-19, which means some of you may be the Class of 2011!Big Congrats!! I wanted to share some tips on preparing for your success with finals testing and also share some shoes that would be hot to rock for Graduation Day.

Also,did you know that in my graphic novel MODEL LIFE, there is a page that features FINALS WEEK. YUP! Here is the page Iwanted to share, illustrated by the awesome Jazmin Ruotolo:

Finals Week is full of all types of pressures, but it is best to take it in stride and just focusing on doing the best you can. In a book I love called Half Broke Horses, Lily Casey Smith, the narrator mentioned how in life we don't always get to do what we want to do---and it is true, sometimes we have to sacrifice for our own success and carry the load, our load that comes with doing what we want to do and getting there.

Invest the time and get the dime <--- mine. And what I mean by that is invest the time in yourself, be prepared for your success and give it the focus it deserves. The dime can be in $, but it can also mean acceptance to college, getting the job you want, or accomplishing another goal you have.

It doesn't matter the goal. Usually getting where you want to go and doing what you want to do takes focus, time, energy and persistence. And a HUGE amount of it. ~ij

Running Rebel & Mad Dog Podcast

Hey! I'm back at podcasting! Check out the Running Rebel & Mad Dog narrative podcast series, it shares my personal journey through grief & heirlooms--Isobella
Podcast Bio:
Isobella Jade was working as a body part model in New York City when her father was killed in a propane explosion and fire in his home near Syracuse, NY. In this series she shares a narrative about a visit to his car and the items she found there, each with their own sentimental story. Each episode expands on her essay in The New York Times called, My Father’s Everyday Heirlooms.
Listen to "Running Rebel & Mad Dog" on Spreaker.

Almost 5'4" has a new cover

MODEL LIFE

Download the iVerse Comics + app and search Model Life to check out the mobile edition!

Model Life has gone mobile!

Click the image to read all about it!

My book "Short Stuff: on the job with an x-small model" is available in print and as an ebook

Short Stuff Stuff shares my real day in the life adventures of being a model in this brand new collection of modeling stories from on-the-job experiences with Marshalls, Victoria's Secret, Macy's, Easy Spirit and other modeling jobs that took place after writing my memoir Almost 5'4".